Nick Kyrgios has claimed that he was motivated by compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis as he booked his spot in the second round of the Australian Open.
The Australian number one needed five sets to beat Federico Delbonis on day one in Melbourne, and he was quick to praise Kokkinakis, who caused a shock by knocking out 11th seed Ernests Gulbis.
"I could hear some noise obviously when he won a set or won a big point. I think when I saw him win on the scoreboard, gave me a little bit of motivation. That's what having a good relationship with him has done," Kyrgios told reporters.
"Yeah, as soon as I saw him win and the crowd got really behind him on my court, I was just real happy for him."
Kyrgios will meet Ivo Karlovic in round two.
Written by
Callum Mulvihill
Callum Mulvihill
